West Virginia Democrat. [volume] (Charles Town, W. Va.) 1885-1890, 1887-04-08
THE CzAR's METHODS.
Governor Curtin Relates Some Anecdotes
of the Russian Autocrat.

northwest province, who was execu-
ted for treason against her majesty's
government. Among them was Rep
resentative Curtin, of Pennsylvania,
ex- governor and ex-minister to nu
merous foreign countries.
II should not care to have my
life" said Governor Curtain, chang
in the balance of many of the courts
of foreign countries, and especially
courts martial. The tribunals of
Russia are very oppressive, and the
people who are called upon to defend
themselves against treason, conspir-
acy or even d;srespect to the govern
ment. have little chance for life. 1t
is almost sure death to be charged
with anything against the Car Of
Russia. | remember an instance
which came under my notice while
was United States minister to
Russia which shows the oppression.
An American of considerable prom
inence aud good deal ofwealth, who
was travelling over the world, came
to me with u letter. He made my
headquarters his own, and [ showed
him all the courtesies l could. He
was quite Independent and Ameri-
can, / found, however, in his OBJ
servations about the Czarish govern
ment and seemed to understand the
courtesies required toward the ruler
and his subordinates.
Zone day, while this American
was in St. Petersburg with mt" !"
continued Governor Curtin, I'VE
took a stroll on the leading thor
oughfares at time when the pOpu-
lace was ont in force for drives and
walks. 1t is a custom strictly ad-
hered to that the head shah bow in
courtcsey to the Gar as he drives
through the street. When we were
out the Gar passed our party who
were on foot. He was in his car
riage accompanied by numerous at
tendants. Every one raised his hat
and bowed except my American
friend with me. The Gzar recog-
nized me aud my friends, and also
the one who did not salute him. l
saw that the discourtesy was OBJ
served, and turned to my friend
when the cavalcade had passed and
said: You made a great mistake in
not saluting the Gar Oh he
replied, 4 do not care anything
about that
Then next day 4 letter came to me
to appear at the foreign office. |
went
"'You were out on the street yes
terday when the Car passed
through on his drive:'
Yes l replied.
"'You had some friends with
YOU:
"'Yes, sir.'
Zone of them did not salute the
/ CzarY
Il believe not
"'Well, you had better ask him to
come here and apologize or explain
his action. That will be satisfac
tory
"Of course l was greatly embar-
rassed and promised to have my
friend call and make the amende
honorable if he would do so. But,
do you know, that fellow wouldn't t
do it? No, his American Obstinacy
showed itself even to mulishness.
He said he wouldn't do it; he didn't
propose to apologize for failing to
salute the Gar; he had done moth
ing wrong and had nothing to apol-
ogize for. This was communicated
to the foreign Office, with my regrets.
could do nothing more. The very
next day my friend came to me with
a great document from the Russian
government. He said he wanted it
translated. | had it done for him
1t was q notice to skip.
"'You must leave here at once, ]
said to my friend.
"'Oh, but l shall not do it, he
naively replied; i am guilty of no
crime and | shall remain here as
long as l wish
"a few evenings afterward, |
learned that some officers called at
the hotel and took my friend away.
He was never heard from after that.
dc not know whether he was sent
TO Siberia, prison or execution.
Governor Curtin related an Incl
dent which illustrates the perfection
OF the Russian spy system. While
minister to Russia he went to Paris.
1t was during the Franco Prussian
difficulty.
The Presiden. OF France sent for
him and he went 10 the palace.
"You have recently had n talk
with the Gar Of Russia about our
foreign trouble:' he asked
Il have" replied the Governor.
Would You care 10 tell me what
he thinks Of itY''
"Well, as a diplomat representing
the United States, / must define,
the Governor answered.
Returning to Russia the Gar re-